Anfield Assist

Author: Matt Boz

  • Liverpool v. Tottenham

    Liverpool v. Tottenham

    12/22/24 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

    Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table grows once again following a six to three thumping of Spurs in London this weekend. Now, the Reds sit four points ahead of Chelsea, after their draw at Everton.

    A goal fest was to be expected, but nine definitely was not on everyone’s minds. To start the game, Tottenham seemed uneasy, whereas Liverpool moved like a well oiled machine. Ever since Arne Slot took the helm, Liverpool have exuded confidence, with a control that they never really saw under Jurgen Klopp. But that’s not to say they completely forgot about his way of playing. The Reds seem to reference Klopp’s blitzkrieg style of play, making them quite dangerous, as the point tally suggests. And Spurs were no exception.

    In the 23rd minute, Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped in a cross from no-mans land, perfectly finding the forehead of Luis Diaz, thus finding the back of the net. Spurs were left completely shocked, as with even the perfect defensive shape, that ball still found it’s way into the right place. Long story short, you had to be there to see it, because it was an absolutely world class play.

    Following the opener, thing started to look even worse for Spurs. The Reds were picking them apart through the midfield, and pressing like absolute maniacs when they rarely lost possession. Each player in red knew exactly where everyone was, and each other seemed to be making the right decision with every touch on the ball.

    This would eventually lead to Liverpool doubling their lead with a rebounded header from Alexis Mac Allister in the 26th minute. Things could not have started better for the Reds. But, despite their struggles, Tottenham are still a team with a lot of talent, meaning they could turn it around at any moment. And that they did. After a tackle from Dejan Kulusevski on Mac Allister on the edge of Liverpool’s box, James Maddison scooped up the ball and finished it brilliantly past the Brazilian Becker. The Liverpool captain pleaded for a foul, but the referee had none of it. Liverpool’s lead was back down to one with the half time whistle minutes away.

    But again, just as the Spurs could turn things around at any moment, so could the Reds. Spurs pressed them hard back in their half, trying to force a mistake and hop on the counter, which led to Alexander-Arnold sending a prayer downfield. A prayer that was answered in kind. Domink Szoboszlai was able to flick it on for Mohamed Salah, who then fed it right back to him for a cheeky finish between Fraser Foster’s legs. The Hungarian made it three to one, and with that came half time, and likely some screaming from Ange Postecoglu in the changing room.

    When the whistle brought the second half back, Liverpool looked like they hadn’t missed a beat. As for Spurs, it looked as if they were managing to disregard any last hope they had at coming back in the game. With numerous chances coming for the Reds, one was bound to fall soon. And with someone like Mohamed Salah on your team, ‘soon’ is not a very long time at all. In the 54th minute, Salah put away one of the easier goals of his career, rebounding the ball after solid attempts from Gakpo and Szoboszlai were denied.

    And don’t forget about these three for long, as they all contributed towards Liverpool’s fifth goal as well. After a brilliant pass from Gakpo centrally, and a brilliant touch and pass from Szoboszlai, Salah slotted away yet another brilliant Liverpool goal. Everything was brilliant, and Spurs were in shambles.

    Liverpool’s dominance continued for another 20 minutes or so, until poor defending came about yet again. This time however, it came from the Reds. Possibly the only bright spot for Spurs that night, Dejan Kulusevski smashed in a volley following a flick from Tottenham’s striker, and former Liverpool man, Dominic Solanke. And about ten minutes later, he got a goal of his own following a poor defensive effort from Liverpool Left Back, Andy Robertson.

    The score was now five to three, which didn’t fully tell the story of the game. Liverpool’s lapse in defense kept Tottenham fans from calling it an early night, which given this rollercoaster of a game, could very well change soon.

    For the last seven minutes plus injury time, Liverpool seemed to have no intention of letting their lead shrink any more. And not even two minutes after Tottenham’s third goal, Liverpool found their sixth, coming from Luis Diaz, and of course, assisted by Mohamed Salah. The slim chances at a comeback for Spurs were now truly written off, securing their position in the bottom half of the Premier League table as we approach Boxing Day. This being the first time it has happened for them in 16 years. Not the greatest look for Ange’s team.

    Ultimately, this riveting game told us two opposing stories. One about a club exceeding all expectations and then some, with a new manager, new staff, and the pressure of expiring contracts. On the other hand, this game showed us a club that might have to reshape the very way they play the game, as whatever is filling up their tactics sheet this season, clearly isn’t doing the job.

  • Liverpool v. Southampton

    Liverpool v. Southampton

    12/18/24 at St. Mary’s Stadium

    On December 18, Liverpool football club made the trip down south to face up against a struggling Southampton side. This Quarter-Final matchup in the Carabao Cup isn’t of the utmost importance for the Reds, but for a Southampton side fighting to stay up in the premier league, a win against the team sitting a top of the table would mean the world. And prior to the game, many would have thought it was not out of the realm of possibility, as Liverpool were using a very young squad, and Arne Slot being banned from the touchline following his yellow card against Fulham at the previous weekend.

    The game began with the usual suspects for Liverpool, being Nuñez, Gakpo, Mac Allister, and Alexander-Arnold. Harvey Elliot also made his first start of the season along with Trey Nyoni making his first every start for the club. Tyler Morton also made his second start of the season, following the previous cup tie against Brighton. And finally, Gomez, Quansah, and Endo rounded out the defense, with Kelleher making his way back between the posts as well.

    The conditions were less than ideal, with dumping rainfall causing the ball to move a tad bit slower throughout the pitch. However, it didn’t seem too large an issue for Liverpool, as they controlled the ball for nearly 70% of the game. Chances were limited in the first half for Southampton, as Liverpool was constantly knocking on their door. This would remain up until the 23rd minute, when Darwin Nuñez slotted home a goal following a deflected through ball from Alexander-Arnold. The score was now one to nil.

    This would not last long, as the reds continued knocking shortly after. This time, it was Harvey Elliot who finished the play off, following a nice piece of play from Cody Gakpo and Water Endo, with Gakpo ultimately claiming the assist in the 32nd minute.

    Things continued well for the reds to end out the half, meaning Southampton was practically written off, given Liverpool’s dominance in the second half this season. However, the Saints still had some gas left in the tank. Liverpool made two substitutions at half, being Kostas Tsimikas for Gomez and Federicho Chiesa for Alexander-Arnold, making his first appearance since the reds first cup tie in the Carabao Cup against West Ham.

    Southampton was a new team after the break, and did not shy away from attacking whatsoever. They seemed to be taking many more risks, which ended up resulting in a lovely finish into the top right corner from Cameron Archer in the 54th minute. It was two to one, and the game was now on, or so it seemed for the next 20 minutes. Although Southampton switched it on, the Reds regained momentum around the 75th minute and did not look back. Things were clicking again., and a third goal seemed on the horizon for Liverpool.

    Unfortunately for the reds, that third goal never came, and as the final seconds were closing in the 90 minutes, the Saints were in on goal one last time. However, Jarell Quansah, who had a solid, but quiet game, committed what seemed to be a foul right on the edge of the box. This sent the Southampton side into a flurry when referee, Simon Hooper, quickly dismissed it. All hope seemed to be sucked out of the Saints after this, with the game slightly ticking in Liverpool’s favor, two to one.

    The game turned out as one would expect. On paper, it did not seem like a matchup that would bring excitement to fans, but with a slightly inexperienced Liverpool side without their manager, they seemed to be holding on by their teeth for a spot in the Carabao Cup Semi-Final. And for the struggling Southampton side, a glimmer of hope that they can compete moving forward.